To the editor:
Last week you had a letter published with a reader upset on the Northern Strand extension on the Lynnway. I found this letter frustrating because it was entirely focused on the individual’s personal experience and inconvenience but totally neglected the community benefits. Having been part of the public process for this extension I understand there is a small but vocal minority of people against the project. I understand that not everyone has a bike or has any interest in getting on one. This path still benefits those people, even if you never use it.
This path is called the Northern Strand which reused the historic Saugus Branch railroad right of way. It currently runs from the Casino in Everett to a very abrupt stop at Western Ave in Lynn. It is already extremely well used and with the addition of Nahant Beach will see even more use.
Part of this same path goes through downtown Malden. For those who have been living in the area for some time, think of Malden 15 years ago before the path versus the vibrancy it has now. That vibrancy is coming to Lynn and in no small part the path will help with that. Thousands of people will go through Market Square and downtown Lynn for the first time on this path. Many of those will no doubt stop for a snack or a drink. They’ll see how nice it is here and come back for dinner. I’ve personally already met people taking the ferry in and then riding back to Boston on the path. This project is a state investment in the community and will have a large and very positive economic benefit on the city.
For the many thousands of people who will use this path they’ll be coming to Lynn to have fun. Despite it’s unfairness, Lynn has had the cloud of a “bad reputation” hanging over it’s head for many decades now. This path changes the narrative from Lynn being a place you avoid or are afraid of, to a place you enjoy and go to on purpose to have fun. Even if you never set foot on this path that benefits all Lynners.
These paths are very heavily used by the community once they’re built. You need not take my word on it. Just take a walk on the existing path any sunny evening and you’ll find plenty of people using it, especially the beautiful section through the marsh. On the Lynnway section there is a lonely sidewalk today. People could walk there but they don’t because it’s next to essentially a highway. Sidewalks aren’t paths, it’s not he same thing at all. This project is a linear park which will make that sidewalk a whole lot less lonely once built.
The Lynnway was overbuilt with three lanes. I live in East Lynn so that is my normal route home. Previously the turn only lane at the rotary to go to Nahant was confusing and dangerous for drivers. Cars would inevitably swerve in the rotary once they realized they were stuck in the lane to go to Nahant. Narrowing the road to two lanes eliminates that confusion and helps slow cars down on a narrower road. That’s a win for drivers.
Paths are for all users including walkers, and likely in Lynn electric scooters. Separating this traffic benefits you, even if you always drive, because it makes the road safer by getting these other vehicles away from cars. The counterfactual here is impossible to say but I think it’s very likely accidents will be avoided and possibly lives saved by this project.
For those people reading this who are angry about this extension please take a moment to reflect. This is something that will bring tens of thousands of people joy. Why are you against that joy? Why this a project that’s so good for the city cause you anger? This path is a huge win for the city and a cause for celebration.
Scott Kane
Lynn
